UK high street sports retailer to close 175 underperforming stores

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The Guardian | Mike Ashley admits he was behind video that brought down JD Sports chair by Lauren Almeida

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Mike Ashley, the billionaire founder of Sports Direct (now Frasers Group), admitted that he orchestrated covert surveillance that captured JD Sports former chair Peter Cowgill in a 2021 car conversation with Footasylum boss Barry Bown, a meeting that breached competition rules during JD Sports’ attempted acquisition of Footasylum. The footage, published by the Sunday Times, triggered a regulator investigation, resulted in almost £5 million in fines for the companies and led to Cowgill’s removal from JD Sports. Ashley said he was not hiding his intent to topple Cowgill, acknowledging that his associates recorded the video and noting that “no one is perfect.” He defended his aggressive business style, saying he fights back when challenged but is not “devil incarnate.” Ashley, worth more than £3 billion, stepped down as chief executive of Frasers Group in 2022 but still controls a 73 percent stake in the group, which now includes House of Fraser, Flannels and Evans Cycles. JD Sports and Footasylum declined to comment.

Read more: https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026/may/10/mike-ashley-peter-cowgill-video-sports-direct-jd-sports

#MikeAshley #JDSports #PeterCowgill #FrasersGroup #retailindustry #BarryBown #MaryPoppins

JD Sports shopper's tip to slash £35 off new Nike trainers without any promotion

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LLANELLI: Retail giant JD Sports to unveil new mega-store at Parc Trostre this weekend

The move sees the “King of Trainers” relocate from its existing unit to a sprawling new space, promising an “enhanced shopping experience” for local customers.

Opening its doors on Saturday, March 21st, the new store boasts an additional 3,156 sq. ft, giving shoppers even more room to explore the latest trends.

JD Sports, a leading name in sports, fashion, and lifestyle brands, will continue to offer popular labels including Nike, Adidas, Montirex, and New Balance.

The grand opening weekend, running from Saturday, March 21st, to Sunday, March 22nd, will feature exclusive launch activities and the chance to win top prizes.

JD STATUS members can try their luck at the “Roundel Locker game,” selecting a key from a duffle bag to unlock one of six lockboxes containing JD-branded products or gift vouchers.

The arrival of the bigger and better JD Sports store comes amidst a period of significant change and activity at Parc Trostre and the wider Llanelli retail landscape.

Just last month, the retail park saw a “fried chicken frenzy” as Popeyes landed in Llanelli, drawing 14-hour queues of eager customers.

However, the area has also faced challenges, with police being granted extra powers after antisocial behaviour at two Llanelli retail parks earlier this year.

Concerns have also been raised about parking, with new cameras potentially fining Llanelli shoppers £100 for parking too long at other retail sites.

Despite these issues, Parc Trostre continues to attract major retailers, with Mountain Warehouse opening a new Llanelli store recently, and B&M reporting a hit with shoppers on its opening weekend.

This expansion by JD Sports signals continued confidence in Parc Trostre as a key retail destination, further highlighting the shift in shopping habits towards out-of-town retail parks, while Llanelli town centre continues to face significant challenges.

JD Sports shares major change it thinks is 'the future of how people will shop'

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JD Sports gives A Level student £65,000 after supervisor slapped her bottom

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UK school gives away free TVs and bikes in desperate bid to improve attendance

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I'm A Celeb's 'real winner revealed' as star lines up £5m deals after jungle success

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